Senior Category Manager, Procurement (Regeneration) in London

At Connect2Hackney, we are proud to be the internal talent team connecting top-tier professionals with high-impact careers at the London Borough of Hackney. Housing and regeneration remain among the Council's highest priorities. Following key developments across the sector and critical public safety mandates post-Grenfell and Rochdale, we are seeking an exceptional Senior Category Manager (Procurement - Regeneration) to lead expert procurement, commercial leadership, and robust risk management for our Regeneration, Economy & Housing Development (REHD) division. This is very much a hands-on, "doing" role. You won't just be supervising; you will take full ownership of the procurement journey, authoring key documents, advising internal stakeholders, and persuading and guiding project teams to achieve Best Value for our local residents, tenants, and leaseholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee major and minor works, as well as professional services procurements, supporting the capital development and delivery strategies across Housing Regeneration & Delivery.
• Draft tender documentation, evaluate Selection Questionnaires, lead contract negotiations, manage portal systems (ProContract / London Tenders), and prepare Cabinet reports and Gateway briefings.
• Line-manage a team of 4 procurement project staff, promoting open communication, professional growth, and a high-performance culture.
• Spearhead risk management initiatives to protect the Council from legal challenges while embedding the principles of our Sustainable Procurement Strategy into all contracting processes.
• Utilise deep knowledge of built environment frameworks (JCT, NEC, PPC2000, Design & Build) to draft, vary, or negotiate agreements in partnership with legal and financial teams.
• Collaborate closely with internal officers, Cabinet members, operational managers, and resident groups (including TMOs, tenants, and leaseholders), supporting Section 20 consultations where required.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a commercially minded procurement professional with a proven track record in public sector or local authority procurement, specifically within construction, housing, or regeneration environments.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., MCIPS) and/or equivalent senior-level experience.
• Backgrounds in Construction, Surveying, Architecture, or Built Environment Law are highly relevant.
• Comprehensive working knowledge of the Public Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023) / PCR 2015, contract law, Council Standing Orders, and standard forms of construction contracts (JCT, NEC, PPC2000, D&B).
• Experience managing complex works/services portfolios, achieving savings, delivering sustainable outcomes, and managing Section 20 consultation processes.
• Excellent political sensitivity, with the ability to act as a trusted "critical friend" to challenge the status quo and influence key decision-makers.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to present complex procurement strategies clearly to boards, committees, and diverse stakeholder groups.

Working Environment & Requirements

• Hybrid Working: The role accommodates regular home working alongside hot-desking at Council offices and required on-site visits to construction/development locations.
• Flexibility: Willingness to attend occasional evening meetings (such as Cabinet, committee, or public resident meetings) as required.